Haikyu!!’s coach Keishin Ukai may not be the flashiest player on the court, but his quiet intensity and sharp mind have made him the heart and soul of Karasuno’s volleyball revival. A former setter turned mentor, Ukai blends laid-back charm with fierce dedication, guiding the underdog team with a perfect balance of tough love and heartfelt support. His reluctant return to coaching, sparked by a deep-seated rivalry and a passion for the game, reveals a complex character whose impact goes far beyond the sidelines-making him not just a coach, but the ultimate crush of the week.
One of the best parts of the human experience, if I do say so myself, is having a big ol’ crush – the pitter-patter of your heartbeat, the swell of euphoria when you see the object of your affection, the desire to just squeal with joy! At AELGAMES, though, we’re very flexible about how we interpret “crush.” After all, brief yet intense infatuations don’t necessarily have to be on real people (or even on people!), nor do they have to be romantic. Since I have many many (many) crushes, I’ve decided to share the energy of writing their names over and over again in sparkly gel pen in a journal.
This week’s crush: Coach Ukai from Haikyu!!
This week’s crush is Coach Keishin Ukai from Haikyuu!!, the charismatic and passionate mentor of Karasuno High’s volleyball team. A former player and alumnus of the school, Ukai initially hesitates to return as coach due to nostalgia and reluctance, but his deep love for volleyball and his team ultimately wins out. Known for his intelligent, hands-on coaching style and a perfect balance of toughness and encouragement, Ukai inspires the team to grow from an after-school club into a true contender. His gruff exterior hides a big heart, and his laid-back yet fiercely dedicated personality makes him an irresistible figure both on and off the court. Whether helping players improve their skills or offering late-night advice, Ukai embodies the ideal coach-relatable, motivating, and quietly heroic.
Watching Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle reminded me what a hottie the Karasuno boys’ volleyball team’s coach is. There are a lot of good boys (and a couple of girls!) in the sports anime and manga, which follows an underdog volleyball team on their quest to greatness. But watching the movie affirmed to me that my biggest crush in the series is the man who was initially reluctant to mentor the team, coach Keishin Ukai.
Ukai is a bit prickly, but he has a big heart. He only agreed to serve as the team’s coach for a practice match between the their historic rival Nekoma (incidentally, the team featured in Dumpster Battle). But eventually, he agrees to stay on, reminded of his love of the sport. (And his desire to finally beat Nekoma in a game!) We love a good character development! Once a member of the Karasuno High School volleyball team, Ukai was initially hesitant to go back because he didn’t want to cloud his own nostalgia for his high school days. That’s a nice little touch of backstory that immediately lets me imagine how his high school days went, and concoct elaborate stories for what his life has been like in the intervening years.
His gruff personality balances out faculty advisor Ittetsu Takeda, who is polite, plucky about everything, and a bit clueless about volleyball. I just think they have a great vibe as co-workers and eventual friends!
On the most superficial level, Ukai is blond – or rather, anime blond, in that he has yellow hair. I have a weakness for blond fictional men – one of these days I’ll try to pinpoint the origin of that response, but for now, I’m simply letting it dictate where my heart lies. And Ukai is hot in that “sexually competent dirtbag line cook” way, in that he’s a bit surly but definitely not unkind, maintains a certain edgy appearance, and also drinks and smokes, but in a sexy way that shows he knows how to have fun. To me, this is only attractive when the guy isn’t real – but boy, does it hit!
In one episode of the show, a few of the players who are struggling with their schoolwork come to Ukai for advice. He lights a cigarette and glares at them with a cocky grin, saying “Does it look like I was good at school?” That’s when I fell for him.
Coach Ukai isn’t heavily featured in Dumpster Battle – or heck, even in the TV show. But seeing him in the background of the movie still reignited my crush. Sometimes less is more when it comes to latching onto a fictional character.
What makes Coach Ukai the ultimate crush for Haikyuu!! fans
Coach Ukai is the ultimate crush for Haikyuu!! fans because of his compelling blend of prickly exterior and big-hearted dedication. His reluctant return to coaching reveals a layered character who is both tough and deeply caring, guiding Karasuno with a mix of old-school wisdom and innovative strategy. Fans admire his relatable humility-he’s approachable, treats his players like adults, and is always ready to support them, whether on the court or even with personal advice like diet tips late at night. His ability to inspire, encourage, and genuinely connect with the team, combined with his understated charm and competitive spirit rooted in a family legacy, makes him a quietly captivating figure who stands out even in the background.
What qualities make Coach Ukai stand out as a crush for Haikyuu!! fans
Coach Ukai stands out as a crush for Haikyuu!! fans due to a combination of qualities that make him both relatable and inspiring. He is intelligent without ego, passionate yet measured, and tough without being overbearing or angry, striking a perfect balance as a mentor. His approachable, down-to-earth personality allows players to treat him like an equal rather than a distant authority figure, fostering deep respect and trust within the team. Ukai’s dedication is evident in how he understands his players’ perspectives, knowing when to encourage, when to give space, and how to motivate effectively. His gruff but big-hearted nature, combined with his edgy appearance and subtle charm-like his golden hair and “sexually competent dirtbag” vibe-adds to his allure for fans. Moreover, his blend of old-school coaching wisdom with innovative strategies helps Karasuno evolve while staying true to their strengths, showcasing his skill and commitment. These traits collectively make Ukai a uniquely compelling and beloved figure in the Haikyuu!! universe.
